'Words of Witness' Film Tour: A Documentary Project in Brooklyn, NY by Mai Iskander

Words of Witness is a feature-length documentary that follows Heba, a 22 year-old journalist, as she navigates Egypt’s Revolution. Every time Heba heads out to cover the historical events shaping her country’s future, her mother is compelled to remind her, “I know you are a journalist, but you’re still a girl!” Defying cultural and gender norms and family expectations, Heba takes to the streets to report on an Egypt in turmoil, using tweets, texts, and Facebook posts. Her coming of age, political awakening and the disillusionment that follows mirrors that of a nation seeking the freedom to shape its own destiny, dignity and democracy. Described as “RAW AND FASCINATING” by the Wall Street Journal, the film was shot on site in Egypt as the historical events surrounding the revolution unfolded.

Here is the trailer for this film followed by more info about it as well as on ways to get involved if you wish.

Words of Witness premiered with much acclaim at the Berlinale Film Festival earlier this year and had its North American premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June. The film was also shown as part of the Human Rights Watch Film Festival in late June in New York. ROCK THE VOTE has teamed up with Words of Witness to co-host the film at both festivals.

The filmmakers need your help in sharing Heba's story and the larger story of Egypt’s revolution. Their film tour is extremely timely, being released on the heels of the "year of the protester," as the Occupy movement continues to grow in the US and the 2012 presidential election cycle gears up. They plan to screen the film nationwide to over 50 colleges and communities followed by lively discussions bringing together non-profit organizations and diverse audiences.

As an educational supplement to the film, they plan to develop an action-oriented modular lesson to distribute to high school and college teachers, and organizations across the US. Our goal is to teach others about the Egyptian revolution and spark dialogue about the very definition of what makes a democratic society.

Your pledge makes you an active participant, allowing the filmmakers to share the film with audiences across the country and develop our modular lesson plan to reach even further. Check out their amazing pledge rewards and don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.